Collecting coins has been popular throughout the world and history. Some people collect coins as an investment others such as myself collect coins as a hobby and I started collecting coins many years ago. My interest was more in the coins itself and not so much as to the grade of the coins, though I always looked for the best grade possible within my budget. For people who collect anything; coins, stamps, art work or even rocks for a hobby, one thing that makes the hobby worth while, other than the ownership of the object, is to be able to display and show them to others.
Seated Liberty Half Dimes were minted from 1837 to 1873, with some variations in design. The obverse depicts Liberty seated upon a large rock, holding a pole with a Liberty cap atop the pole and the date below from (1837-38), other variations include 13 stars added around the seated Liberty (1838-59), arrows at the date (1853-55) and the legend “United States of America” replacing the 13 stars (1860-73). The reverse on the half dimes from 1837 to 1859 features the denomination “Half Dime” circled by a laurel wreath, which is encircled by “United States of America“. The coins are 90% silver and 10% copper with a diameter of 15.9 mm, weighting 1.2 grams.
The Nickel Three cent piece was minted at the Philadelphia Mint from1865 to 1889. This coin was designed by James B. Longacre. The obverse features the head of Liberty facing left wearing a beaded coronet with “Liberty” written upon it. Around the out-side edge are the words “United States of America”. The reverse has in the center, the Roman numeral III surrounded by a wreath. These coins are made up of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
The two-cent piece was designed by James B. Longacre and was minted in the U.S. from 1864 to 1873. The obverse shows a shield with a ribbon above, with the motto “In God We Trust” and was the first coin of the U.S. to bear this motto. Behind the shield are two arrows. The reverse has a wreath surrounding “2 Cents” and is circled by the words “United States of America”. This coin is made of 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc.
These 2008 first year issue Silver Philharmonic Coins are minted in one troy ounce of .999 pure Silver. The obverse of each Silver coin has the caption “1 Unze Feinsilber,” meaning “1 ounce pure silver,” positioned beneath the “Great Pipe Organ” of Vienna’s Golden Concert Hall, home of the Philharmonic. Republic of Austria, “Republik Oesterreich,” the year, 2008 and face value of €1.5 Euros are also shown.
The reverse shows the bouquet of Philharmonic instruments with the word “Silber” above.
